SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – 17 Jun, 2017 – According to a study released last year by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, ignition interlock devices prevented 2,573 drunken driving offenders in Utah from starting their cars after detecting alcohol on their breath. In the last 10 years, the devices have stopped 13,683 similar attempts. The study is essential since it shows that the device is a proven success. An ignition interlock device is a small breathalyzer that prohibits individuals from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Utah is among the 28 states that currently require anyone who has been convicted of driving under the influence to install the ignition interlock device on any vehicle that the person owns or operates. It enables offenders to change behavior while they can safely travel without putting others or themselves at risk. Following the recently signed bill lowering Utah’s legal limit for a driver’s blood alcohol level to 0.05%, MADD’s position is to emphasize interlocks and get them on vehicles. In a statement, they said that every option for treatment and rehabilitation should include an ignition-interlock requirement.

Regaining Your Suspended License in Utah with using an Ignition Interlock Device

The Utah Driver License Division (DLD) is responsible for ensuring that drivers on Utah roads are safe and orderly. Should the Division determine that you are not a safe or responsible driver, your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked. When your Utah driver license is suspended, you’ll have to reinstate your driving privileges before you can renew it. To get your license back after a DUI in Utah, an offender will have to follow the below steps.

1. If an arresting officer confiscates your driver’s license, you are required to request a hearing within 10 days by completing a hearing request form and faxing the form to the Driver License Division at (801) 964-4499.

2. If your vehicle is impounded, you will need to take a copy of your TC-540 Vehicle Impound Report (provided by the arresting officer) and ID to your local DPS office. Pay the $330 DUI impound fee and obtain a letter of release from the DMV to retrieve the vehicle.

3. If convicted of the DUI offense, schedule an appointment with A1 Interlock (state-approved) to have an interlock ignition device installed. We will notify the DMV of the installation.

4. Go to the DMV, pay your DUI, court and license reinstatement fees, and you are good to go. Keep in mind to come for regular monitoring of the device for proper maintenance as well as a requirement for keeping your restricted license.

About Utah DUI Laws and Ignition Interlock Devices

In Utah, the drunk driving law limits a person from driving when they have a BAC of .08% or higher though a law has been passed to lower it to .05% in 2017. With an arrest for DUI, you will face two different types of penalties, Per-se or Administrative penalties, handled by the Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Division. An offender is required as a condition of probation to operate vehicles that have been fitted with interlock ignition devices.

An interlock ignition system must be installed for 18 months for drivers over 21, and 3 years for drivers under 21. For those with prior DUI offenses, a violation related to an already-installed interlock, and those who refuse a chemical test or commit some other violations will be required to use an interlock for 3 years.

If you are looking for a breathalyzer installation for your vehicle in Utah area, look no further than A1 Interlock. We carry high-quality ignition interlock devices for our customers in Salt Lake City, Sandy, Murray, Draper, Herriman, West Valley, Lehi, Orem, Provo and surrounding areas at competitive pricing. We employ cutting-edge technology to provide interlock devices that are fast, reliable, and easy to use. Our qualified technicians are trained to install the breathalyzers ensuring your device works optimally.